In-Country Visits

The initial research, aid-for-trade analysis and needs assessment work will be complemented by a series of in-country interviews and focus groups conducted in a number of countries in each ACP region. The aim is to determine how a successor programme to the Hub and Spokes project may be able to best meet the needs of stakeholders with an interest in national trade policy outcomes. While it is not feasible to visit every country ACP country, a diverse sample of countries will be visited in each region to gain further insights into the wide range of trade policy capabilities in the ACP.

In-Country visits will be held in October-November 2009 in the following locations:

As part of these visits, it is proposed a range of national trade policy stakeholders in select countries will be consulted, including senior trade officials as well as non-government representatives from leading business associations and civil-society organisations. This will help ensure the right people in the right positions are able contribute to the planning process for a successor programme.

The information and evidence canvassed from this analysis and interview process will be used to develop Hub and Spokes Phase II Concept Papers—broadly outlining how a successor programme might, for example, be structured in the ACP regions and how national ministries and regional organisations can continue to benefit.

Next Phase: Regional Workshops